The present invention relates generally to implants used in medical procedures such as bone fixation or fusion. More specifically, this application relates to fenestrated implants used in bone fixation or fusion.

The present invention relates generally to implants used in medical procedures such as bone fixation or fusion. More specifically, this application relates to fenestrated implants used in bone fixation or fusion.

Disclosed is a surgical alignment and distraction frame and associated methods of use that facilitates correction of a sagittal imbalance. The alignment and distraction frame works in conjunction with pedicle screw installation guide assemblies to impart the desired correction. The alignment frame can be utilized to ensure the pedicle screw housings are aligned (to facilitate rod coupling) in concert with the completion of a correction maneuver.

A surgical fastener comprising a generally flat, circular body and a generally cylindrical post fixedly coupled to a center of the body extending perpendicular to the body. Both of the body and the post include through holes configured for passage of a suture. A length of the post is selected to extend through both of a bone graft and at least a portion of bone for providing shear and/or anti-rotational support to the surgical fastener across a fracture line in the bone.

The invention relates to a device for holding and releasing an object, comprising a main body comprising a housing to at least partially accommodate said object and an opening to enable at least a portion of the object to be removed, a lid that can be moved from a closed position preventing access to said opening and an open position enabling access to said opening, and a stop mechanism designed such that it can be moved to different positions relative to the main body towards the opening of said main body, but blocked in the other direction, to enable the stop mechanism to be brought into contact with or close to the object while preventing any recoil of the stop mechanism. The invention also relates to a corresponding production method and release methods.

A system and method for sharing and absorbing energy between body parts. In one particular aspect, the system facilitates absorbing energy between members forming a joint such as between articulating bones.

A system and method for sharing and absorbing energy between body parts. In one particular aspect, the system facilitates absorbing energy between members forming a joint such as between articulating bones.

A surgical instrument enables dispensing of a series of fasteners within a patient's body. The device includes a magazine sized and dimensioned to hold a series of fasteners, the series of fasteners insertable through an opening at the end of the magazine. A splined guide bore is rotatably supported within the magazine, and slidingly supports a shaft having an external surface mateable with the splined guide bore to restrict radial rotation of the shaft with respect to the support about said longitudinal axis. A biasing element is connected between the support and the shaft, to urge the shaft along a longitudinal axis towards a distal end of the instrument. A ratchet is connected to the shaft and engages the magazine to permit sliding of the shaft in a direction for dispensing fasteners only, unless disengaged with the magazine.

A surgical instrument enables dispensing of a series of fasteners within a patient's body. The device includes a magazine sized and dimensioned to hold a series of fasteners, the series of fasteners insertable through an opening at the end of the magazine. A splined guide bore is rotatably supported within the magazine, and slidingly supports a shaft having an external surface mateable with the splined guide bore to restrict radial rotation of the shaft with respect to the support about said longitudinal axis. A biasing element is connected between the support and the shaft, to urge the shaft along a longitudinal axis towards a distal end of the instrument. A ratchet is connected to the shaft and engages the magazine to permit sliding of the shaft in a direction for dispensing fasteners only, unless disengaged with the magazine.

System, including apparatus and methods, for ankle fusion using a device for separating a first bone and a second bone of an ankle region. In some embodiments, the device may comprise an expandable spacer including first and second bone-contacting surface regions facing away from one another and configured to be abutted with the first and second bones, respectively. A distance between the first and second bone-contacting surface regions may be adjustable to change the separation of the first and second bones. The first bone-contacting surface region may correspond to a portion of a sphere and may be configured to be disposed at least partially in a concavity formed surgically in the first bone. The expandable spacer offers improved control over the length of the lower limb and the orientation of the foot during ankle fusion surgery.